Bible: Gen 4:1-16

The Story of Cain and Abel

4:1Now1 the manhad marital relationswith2 his wifeEve, and she became pregnant3and gave birthto Cain. Then she said, “Ihave created4a manjust as the Lorddid!”54:2Thenshe gave birth6to his brotherAbel.7Abeltook careof the flocks, while Caincultivatedthe ground.8

4:3At the designatedtime9Cainbroughtsome of the fruitof the groundfor an offering10to the Lord.4:4But Abelbrought11some of the firstbornof his flock– eventhe fattest12of them. And the Lordwas pleased with13 Abeland his offering,4:5but with Cainand his offeringhe was notpleased.14So Cainbecame veryangry,15and his expressionwasdowncast.16

4:6Then the Lordsaid toCain, “Whyare you angry, and whyis your expressiondowncast?4:7Is it nottrue17that ifyou do what is right, you will be fine?18 But ifyou do notdo what is right, sinis crouching19at the door. It desirestodominate you, but youmust subdueit.”20

4:8Cainsaidtohis brotherAbel, “Let’s go out to the field.”21 Whilethey were in the field, Cainattacked22his brother23Abeland killedhim.

groundit willnolongeryield30its best31 for you. You will bea homeless wanderer32on the earth.”4:13Then Cainsaidtothe Lord, “My punishment33is too greatto endure!344:14Look! You are drivingme off the land35today, and I must hidefrom your presence.36I will bea homeless wandereron the earth; whoeverfindsme willkillme.”4:15But the Lordsaidto him, “Allright then,37 ifanyone killsCain, Cain will be avenged seven times as much.”38 Then the Lord put a special mark39 on Cain so that no one who found him would strike him down.404:16So Cainwent outfrom the presenceof the Lordand livedin the landof Nod,41eastof Eden.